OnStar teams up with Google for Volt Mobile App

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for those attending Google I/O, as OnStar is set to debut an app that it has been working on for the Chevy Volt, using Android. The first iteration of this app, which is likened to more of a demo than a fully functioning app, was debuted at CES earlier this year, but Google I/O attendees can expect to catch a glimpse of much more over the next few days.

Probably one of the coolest features of this new app is a navigation tab that enables you to locate your car from your Android-based phone and determine your position relative to the vehicle - a feature that will surely come in handy when going to Disney, sporting events, and the like. You will also be able to specify a destination from your phone which will be available to you upon reaching the vehicle - the car will then be prepared to give you directions via OnStar or Google Maps Navigation. Unfortunately, the aforementioned functionality will not be ready to go by the time the Volt Mobile App is launched, however, here are some of the features that will be:

Charge status display – plugged in or not and voltage (120V or 240V)

Flexibility to "Charge Now" or schedule charge timing

Display percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges

Ability to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest

Send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge

Display miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings

Shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime

Remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature

It's amazing how far technology has come. First we get all excited about the convergence of handheld devices and cellular phones, now it looks like we're not far from being electronically connected to every single detail of our lives. Crazy! Anyone looking to get the Chevy Volt now, or will you wait until v2.0? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

DETROIT, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- OnStar is leveraging the power of Google technology to develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet's commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.

The public will get a peek at what OnStar is working on at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA, where OnStar will debut and demonstrate new functionalities they're developing for the Chevrolet Volt mobile application leveraging the Android™ platform.

"While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we're evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology," said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. "What we're talking about today is only the beginning."

A new "navigation" tab has been added to the home screen of the existing Chevrolet Volt mobile app on the Android smartphone. When a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google Maps™ , as well as their location relative to it.

From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt's current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.

The new functionalities won't be available on the Volt mobile app at launch, but are planned for a 2.0 version.

The smartphone mobile application for the Chevrolet Volt made its debut at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and is planned to launch in tandem with the Volt this fall. Launch features include:

* Charge status display – plugged in or not and voltage (120V or 240V)

* Ability to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest

* Send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge

* Display miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings

* Shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime

* Remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature

"These two new features add to the suite of mobile application features for Volt that give Volt owners a personal connection to their car," said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. "Connecting customers to their cars is one way we're using technology to provide value and a real useful benefit to the Volt owner."

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